This document discusses the importance of providing students a "reality check" to help them make informed academic and career decisions based on financial factors. It presents scenarios for two students, Santana and Chad, who need help understanding the costs and financial implications of their options. Resources like calculators and surveys on tuition costs, loan repayment amounts, and average salaries are recommended to give students full knowledge of how their choices may impact them professionally and financially in both the short and long term. The goal is to empower students to choose pathways that are best suited for their individual goals and circumstances.

1. Reality Check

2. Show Me The Money!
• Money often drives academic decisions more
than we realize. Taking into account each
individuals financial priorities and career goals
requires a strategic advising approach.
• Reality Check provides students with full
knowledge of financial and professional impact of
their academic decisions, empowering them to
make the best choice for them

3. Santana
• Currently working as a physical
therapy assistant (2 yr. degree)
• Wants to become a physical
therapist but would need an
advanced degree
• Wants to better understand the
cost of becoming a PT
• Needs help understanding
available funding options
How can a reality check help
Santana realize her dream?
http://www.twu.edu/finaid/estimated-cost-
attendance.asp
http://www1.salary.com/Physical-Therapist-
salary.html

4. Chad
• Currently an Economics major
• Parents highly encourage going
on to law school
• Does not like his major but
loves his English minor
• Considering switching to
English but is unsure of his
future salary and career
options
How would you provide Chad with a
Reality Check?
http://www.finaid.org/calculators/scripts/sl
oanadvisor.cgi

5. Talking about Money
• Money is personal
• What is good for the masses is not what is
best for the individual
• Resources for decision making- Reality Check,
NACE, payback smarter loan estimator,
salary.com

7. Reality Check: Repaying Student Loans
Based on total loan debt of $27,000 with a salary of $35,000 studentloans.gov Repayment Estimator

8. Financial Truths
• Lose the take it all mentality
• Understand general loan terms
• Keep on the hunt for scholarships
• Maintain eligibility
• Understand the long term impact of short term decisions
• Financial impact of 2 year institution to 4 year institution

9. Resources
• Reality Check
• NACE Salary Survey
• Career Center
• What Resources are on your campus?